Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is contributing $1 million to address the needs of New Mexicans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BCBSNM COVID-19 Community Collaborative Grant Fund will help support the health and wellness of our communities by focusing on areas where communities need it the most, including aid for food security, child and senior care, providers, and health care access.
“Every single day we see the power of generosity in our state as we grapple with this pandemic,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “I am incredibly grateful to donors like Blue Cross and Blue Shield — as I am grateful to the first responders, the health care workers and every other essential worker tirelessly protecting our state.”
Three New Mexico community initiatives and organizations will receive support through this fund: All Together NM Fund, Roadrunner Food Bank, and United Way of Central New Mexico.
The All Together NM Fund will receive $500,000 to support the immediate and long-term needs of our communities, businesses and employees facing income insecurity. This fund was announced by Gov. Lujan Grisham and established by the New Mexico Coalition of Community Foundations.
“Along with sister community foundations across the state, we are pleased to be leading the statewide All Together NM Fund,” said William (Bill) Smith, president and CEO of the Santa Fe Community Foundation. “The needs across our state are diverse, urgent and critical, and the All Together NM Fund will drive resources to where they are most needed.”
Roadrunner Food Bank will receive $250,000 to support food distribution and mobile food pantries for the general population and senior centers throughout the state.
“The longer that this pandemic continues, the more New Mexicans will face hunger and poverty,” said Mag Strittmatter, president and CEO of Roadrunner Food Bank. “Unemployment continues to grow, leaving many families without the income necessary to afford all the basic necessities we all need to survive, including food. It’ll mean difficult choices for so many and longer food lines all across our state. Transformational gifts like this one will help us respond to the increased need we may see for many months. Your gracious investment in our work will sustain so many New Mexicans facing hunger today and months from now.”
United Way of Central New Mexico will receive $250,000 to support agencies throughout the state that focus on areas such as child and senior care, health care access, and homelessness and housing.
“This grant will support a number of hard working agencies that are providing vital services and access to care for young children, seniors and tribal partners during these critical times,” said Rodney Prunty, president and CEO of United Way of Central New Mexico. “We appreciate BCBSNM for their leadership now and for their partnership to our organization as a Corporate Cornerstone partner for many years.”
“BCBSNM is dedicated to helping our fellow New Mexicans, and we are proud to offer support in the fight against COVID-19,” said BCBSNM President Kurt Shipley. “We are confident that this investment in communities statewide will make an impact on the health and social challenges facing our state. The wellness of our members and communities and the safety of those who deliver care are our top priorities.”
See the latest from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico on COVID-19
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with 630,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.